By Karen Gutiérrez, Univision | November 11, 2025 | Boston, MA
Massachusetts Challenges Federal Orders
Governor Maura Healey announced on Monday that Massachusetts will continue full SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, disregarding a federal order from the Trump administration that requires states to retract these funds amidst the government shutdown.
“My message for all SNAP recipients is this: forget the noise coming from Donald Trump. Your benefits are restored on your cards. Go out and buy the food you need to feed your families,” Healey stated during a press conference.
The announcement follows a series of conflicting court rulings and a temporary order from the U.S. Supreme Court, which allowed the federal government to block full SNAP payments while an appeal is resolved.
The Context: A Legal Battle Over Hunger
The legal dispute began when a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the federal government to fully fund SNAP benefits despite the shutdown. The Trump administration responded by requesting a halt to these payments, claiming that funds should be reserved for emergencies.
On Saturday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program, issued a memorandum labeling full payments as “unauthorized,” warning that states could be required to reimburse these funds and face financial penalties.
Despite this warning, Healey reiterated that the state would not penalize residents who have already received their funds.
“If President Trump wants to punish states for preventing Americans from going hungry, we will see him in court,” she said.
Judicial and Legal Support from the State
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, led by Andrea Campbell, secured a court order temporarily blocking the federal government’s attempts to recover or suspend payments issued over the weekend.
During a hearing in Boston, Federal Judge Indira Talwani determined that the states acted “reasonably” in distributing funds following the federal guidance in effect at that time.
“My office will not allow this administration to use the lives of Massachusetts residents as political bargaining chips,” Campbell stated in a press release.
Over One Million Beneficiaries Affected
In Massachusetts, 1.1 million people rely on the SNAP program to meet their basic nutritional needs. According to state officials, approximately half of these beneficiaries received their November payments during the window when courts permitted full funding.
The remaining payments are on hold as local agencies await clarity on the most recent federal order.
In the meantime, community organizations like Project Bread, which manages a helpline for SNAP beneficiaries, are warning about the human impact of this uncertainty.
“The state acted quickly to deliver benefits to the highest number of people possible, but the rest is back in limbo. This demonstrates how fragile the system is right now,” noted Jennifer Lemmerman, the organization’s policy director.
Other States Follow Suit
Massachusetts is not alone in this regard. States such as New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut also issued full SNAP payments during this period of judicial rulings.
Each state now faces the dilemma of how to respond to the threat of federal sanctions. However, several governors have indicated they will not retract funds already issued to families.
A Message of Reassurance for Families
As legal disputes continue in Washington, Healey aims to send a message of reassurance and support to the most vulnerable households in her state:
“Massachusetts will not punish those who depend on SNAP. Our commitment is to the people, not to political threats,” she emphasized.
Residents can continue to use their EBT cards as normal to purchase food in supermarkets and local markets.
Original source: Noticias Nueva Inglaterra
By Karen Gutierrez
11 Nov, 2025
